Bob Mortimer has opened up about the challenges of aging, describing it as a 'real battle' to avoid negative thoughts about life and death. The comedian, 67, known for his humour on shows like Would I Lie To You? and Gone Fishing, shared his reflections on the new podcast Outsiding.
The Struggle Against Negativity
Mortimer admitted that as people grow older, they must fight an internal drive towards negativity. He said: 'You know, I’m older than you, you’re in this battle as you get older against, you kind of, there’s a little drive within you that wants to say the world is awful and I’ll be glad when I’m gone, just to ease that journey and it’s a real battle against that.'
He emphasized the importance of clinging to joyful memories to counteract these feelings. 'So, you do start finding joy just in old memories, not so much happening in your life, but you know, old memories just to keep a bit of joy in your brain to stop you just saying, ‘oh, I hate this place, everything’s gone to s**t, I wish I was dead’. But there’s a lot of it, you are fighting against it. A lot of the time.'
Gardening as a Source of Joy
Mortimer also spoke about the therapeutic value of gardening, particularly for older people. He described the garden as 'a very good friend' that one can nurture and observe. 'You know, as you get older, the garden can be a very good friend. You know, you can nurture it, watch its progress, see its failures, you know, attend to them. You know, it is a very good friend, your garden. And they don’t talk back do they?'
He explained that gardening provides a practical way to fill the day and offers an unfolding story when life shrinks. 'I think because, you know, your life does shrink. It just does. You try your best, but life just shrinks. You don’t go see so many people, but you’ve got that lovely escape just the other side of the window and it’s something to do. It’s a very practical way of filling a day, you know.'
Finding Purpose in Retirement
Mortimer highlighted how gardening gives a sense of purpose and anticipation. 'And it is an unfolding story and when you’ve retired or you’re getting older, there’s not much of a story left to involve yourself in really. You know, your ambitions have gone and so on, so there’s a nice little story just be on the back door to start off.'
He shared a personal anecdote: 'And it is amazing. I’ve just had, just as I was arriving here, got a photograph from the wife showing me our first tomato. And yeah, it’s a big day.'
The podcast Outsiding, hosted by Caitlin Moran and Adam Frost, celebrates the simple joys of nature, wildlife, and gardening. It is available on all podcast providers and YouTube.
